GOLF released its latest ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the World (2023-24), and while Pine Valley again took the top spot, there were eight newcomers that found their way into the ranking. Here, we’ll introduce you to them.
Newcomer spotlight: Point Hardy Golf Club / Rank: 76th
Location: Cap Estate, St. Lucia
Play: Resort
Architect: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, 2023
Why it made our list, according to a rater:
In this Instagram world, you might suspect this to be a case of style over substance, given the truly incredible scenery. Not to worry. The final five holes play like a greatest hits album. Fun and challenge in abundance. The 14th is one of the better Coore/Crenshaw par-5s I’ve played; 15 and 16 are a compelling short par-4 and an heroic par-3, respectively. Seventeen is a stunner, and 18 belongs in the conversation for top-five closing holes in the world. There are a couple of fairly extreme climbs in places, but that’s a quibble. There is zero surprise seeing Point Hardy make the list. — Simon Holt
You can view Point Hardy Golf Club’s Top 100 Course page here.
More about the Point Hardy Golf Club
Set along the craggy northern end of St. Lucia, Point Hardy’s dramatic location almost needs to be seen to be believed. The last four greens on the front side are on the cliffs, as are the final five greens on the second nine. The course’s most dazzling moments are within these 9 holes, including the diagonal tee ball carries over the ocean at holes 8 and 15 and the testing nature of several par-3s, like the 7th with its long but narrow green on a point and the 17th that plays from one point over the churning Atlantic 80 feet below to a clifftop green. The interior holes climb some 200 feet above sea level. Indeed, from the 4th tee, you see the Caribbean straight ahead while the Atlantic is behind you. Also among the interior holes Coore & Crenshaw created several stout two-shotters that call for inventive ground game approaches, which perfectly balance the aerial demands of the cliff holes. Add in the lumpy fairways and coastal breezes and this design poses a host of intriguing questions, all bundled up in an exotic island setting. — Ran Morrissett
